District 14B's Monthly Newsletter October 2020

District 14B’s Monthly Newsletter October 2020

Welcome to October fellow Lions, Lioness, and Leos,

October is a time to enjoy the best of autumn, apples, fresh cider, the gorgeous fall foliage, the cool evenings and warm days, and brisk walks through the park. One of the things we cannot enjoy this fall is the annual District Fall Rally. Due to current circumstances we had to forego those plans. That however should not deter us from enjoying one another’s company. Continue or restart your meetings. I have been able to attend a number of club visits in September. I thank you for the hospitality and warmth I received at the Northern Allegheny picnic and meetings with Brentwood and Clairton. And the honor of installing the officers of my home club Monroeville.

As Lions we always have something to do. This month is no exception. World Sight Day is October 8 this year. October is the month traditionally set aside for White Cane Day. Do any clubs have plans for White Cane collections? Please remember to report your activity to District White Cane Chair JR Wilson. (See page 17)

On Sunday Oct. 18th, the Multiple District has scheduled the Fall Leadership Symposium in Greensburg. The flyer with the particulars can be found here in the Cauldron. Please plan to attend and enjoy a day of fellowship, learning, and reenergizing. (See page 7)

We are continuing the District wide face mask sale. You will notice my picture this month I am wearing the green PA LIONS mask. The district mask is the same except it is blue and signifies District 14B. The first shipment of 3 dozen has been sold, including some sent to other parts of the state. We all need to wear a mask now. Let’s show our Lions Pride with one of these masks. Remember that the sale of each one adds money to your clubs’ administration fund. Again, an order form is attached to this newsletter on page 5.

The latest project we have been asked to help with is the disaster relief for fellow Lions in Louisiana. This year has been an active hurricane season on the Gulf coast. The Multi District 14 – Pennsylvania – has mobilized a disaster response team to support those in need of supplies to help clean up efforts. Last week an appeal letter was sent out to all club Presidents and Secretaries asking for whatever monetary help can be provided by club and or personal in this effort. Also, if any Lion that may have the resources or connections available to provide any quantity of the supplies needed would be greatly appreciated. We have all heard the saying, “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion”. Here is the time for that saying to take root. Won’t you help? Thank you.

Lastly, the November State Council meeting scheduled for Washington, PA has been canceled. The Council of Governors meeting will be held online via Zoom. During that weekend there was to be a vote taken on two ballot questions to amend the state Constitution and Bylaws. Question 1 concerns the replacement of a Council Chair if the current Chair could not fulfill their duties. Question 2 modifies the distribution of the state per capita dues. It does not change the amount of the dues, just the allocation amounts. The Governors have decided that a vote will be taken on Sunday Nov. 8 albeit electronic. All Clubs across the state will have eligible delegates to vote only if ALL DUES ARE PAID! That includes LCI, State and District. All clubs should have dues paid by this time. Those that do not, ask your treasurer to pay them now! Please have your club dues paid by Oct. 15, 2020 to be eligible to vote in this important election

Greetings Lions, Lionesses, Leos, and guests,

Fall is in the air! We have typical Pittsburgh weather, cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon and cool in the evening. My kind of weather! I’m looking forward to the trees turning their beautiful hues of orange, red and yellow. The snow can wait!

I found a very interesting article about Braille and I wanted to share some of the highlights with you. First of all, do you know what Braille is? It is a tactile reading and writing system used by blind and visually impaired people who cannot access print materials. This is quite timely because the second week in October is when we celebrate National Braille Week in 2020. It coincides with World Sight Day on October 87, 2020.

Braille was developed by Louis Braille in the early 19th century. He developed Braille after using Captain Charles Barbier’s “night writing” which was a code of dots and dashes into thick paper. These impressions could be interpreted by the touch of a finger and letting soldiers communicate on the battlefield without needing to speak or have light. The Captain’s system was a little too complicated, but Braille was inspired to come up with a system of his own. By the time Braille was 15 years old, he had trimmed Barbier’s 12 dots into six and had found 63 ways to use a six- dot cell in an area no larger than a fingertip. Braille published his own system in 1829 and added symbols for mathematics and music.

The braille code has undergone continuous modification over the years, particularly through the addition of contractions for words which appear frequently in English.

Braille is written in either uncontracted braille or contracted braille. Uncontracted braille is every letter of every word is expressed in braille. Contracted braille is used for reproducing textbooks and publications. Cells are used individually or in combination with others to form a variety of contractions and whole words. For example, in uncontracted braille the phrase “you like him” requires twelve cell spaces. If it were written in contracted braille, this same phrase would use only six cell spaces.

Embossed Braille is usually produced using a Perkins Brailler which has only six keys and a space bar. Computers provide and continue to expand additional avenues of literacy for braille users. Technology has provided gadgets like the Dot Braille Smartwatch. See the article below for more information. https://www.wearable-technologies.com/2018/10/the-dot-braille-smartwatch-lets-the-visually-impaired-people-see-the- world-from-a-different-angle/

In District 14B, we are fortunate to have an organization that helps the visually impaired right here in Pittsburgh. The Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services (BVRS) on Locust Street has a variety of services available to the visually impaired, for anyone who is experiencing a loss of vision and is in need of services. Our District 14B Chairperson for BVRS is Lion Michael Zaken. If you have any questions about BVRS contact Mike at 412-655-1234 or via email at [email protected].

Drug companies include braille on OTC product packaging in Europe but not so much here in the United States. Some of the big chains like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid make braille instructions available to the visually impaired but very few OTC medications participate. Sounds like a cause to start a movement to correct here in the states.

Let’s soar into Service!

Mary Ann Belles email: [email protected] phone 412-833-3450 or 412-983- 8956 2

There are 33 Lions clubs in our District and I was wondering if all 33 clubs have a Lions gong for their meetings? I have a couple gongs from clubs that are no longer in existence If your club does not have one, please let me know and you may claim one. It may need a little elbow grease and Brasso to make it nice and shiny! Please emial me at [email protected] or call me at 412-877-5273.

Does anyone still have one of these T-shirts? My wife just happened to come across this while going through some old boxes. These tshirts were made to prmote our fundraiser with the Pittsburgh Maulers back in March 1984. We had purchased 500 shirts anticipating that we would sell them for $5 each and add those proceeds to our net profit from the sale of tickets for the game. Unfortunately, the temperature that game day was 300… Needless to say, we had a terrible sale. I think we sold maybe two dozen. And for the next two years, we tried OCTOBER’S selling them for $1 each at cabinet meetings, CLUB ANNIVERSARIES Region Rallies and Zone Meetings. Thank goodness, the proceeds received from the Monroeville Lions Club – 68 years Maulers netted our Districct a little over October 2, 1952 $32,000!

Pittsburgh Hilltop Lions Club – 35 years October 7, 1985

Robinson Lions Club – 65 years October 10, 1955

Pittsburgh DeafBlind Lions Club – 26 years October 24, 1994

Homestead District Lions Club - 73 years October 30, 1947

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S VISITATION SCHEDULE 2020-2021 September 2020 1st – Tarentum Area 9th – Northern Allegheny 10th – Cheswick – Springdale 15th – Clairton 16th – Brentwood

October 2020 5 – Homestead District 8th – Elfinwild 20th – Pitcairn 27th - Pittsburgh North Side 28th – Whitehall Community

November 2020 4th – West Mifflin 10th – Pittsburgh Grandview 17th – Oakmont 18th – Bethel Park Lioness 24th – South Park

December 2020 1st – Bridgeville Greater Area 7th – Central Elizabeth 11th – Pittsburgh Host

January 2021 5th – Robinson Township 13th – Mount Lebanon (afternoon) 14th – Pittsburgh Hilltop 19th – Bethel Park 20th – Forest Hills 26th – McKeesport 27th – Monroeville

February 2021 1st – White Oak 2nd – Bloomfield-Lawrenceville 15th – Pleasant Hills 19th – Mon River Fleet

March 2021 9th – Pittsburgh Deaf Blind 10th – Glassport (evening)

To Be Scheduled Pittsburgh Shadyside-Squirrel University of Pittsburgh Sto-Ken-Rox

• CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

• Masks may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.

• Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings

• Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

• Masks with exhalation valves or vents should NOT be worn to help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others (source control).

One new member to welcome to the Wonderful World of Lionism! (July 1, 2020 through September 30st as reported on the MyLCI website)

Carol A. Bray Mon River Fleet Lions Club Monica Hancharik

Since July 31, 2020, here’s what our District membership looks like …

July 1st 761 Members added 7 dropped 22 September 30st 746 Members

We are ranked 16th out of the 17 Districts, with District 14W beneath us.

Lion Robert Bartram N. Allegheny Lions Club August 18, 2020

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Form 990 Due by Nov. 15

Lion Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers, Please remember that all Lions clubs, districts, and multiple districts that have annual gross receipts of less than US$50,000 and do not have to file Forms 990 or 990-EZ must file the e-Postcard (also known as 990-N). If your Lions club, district, or multiple district has a foundation, which is a separate legal entity, the appropriate form will need to be filed as well. All filers must register at IRS.gov prior to filing their next Form 990-N. This is a one-time registration if the designated Lion files annually. If the designee changes from a prior year, the new designee must register with the IRS. Please refer to the following chart regarding annual filing requirements:

The e-Postcard is due by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of your tax year. Lions clubs operate on a fiscal year, July 1-June 30, and the e-Postcard is due by November 15 each year. Please note that an organization cannot request an extension for filing the Form 990-N. If you do not file, you risk losing your tax-exempt status. Any Lions club that fails to meet its annual reporting requirement for three consecutive years will automatically lose its tax-exempt status. A club may apply for reinstatement of its tax exemption even if it originally fell under a group exemption. Every club and/or district (single, sub- and multiple) must have an employer identification number (EIN), even if it will not have employees. The EIN is a unique number that identifies the organization to the Internal Revenue Service. To apply for an EIN, you should obtain a Form SS4 and its instructions from the IRS. You may also apply for an EIN online, by telephone (1-800- 829-4933) or by fax (fax number at the location accepting applications from your state). It is important that clubs and districts use the correct EIN for their annual filing. For frequently asked questions about tax issues and regulations affecting Lions clubs and leadership, visit the Lions Tax FAQ. Visit www.irs.gov/eo for complete details and to sign up for Exempt Organization’s free email newsletter, EO Update, to receive up-to-date information posted on the charity pages of irs.gov. Legal Division Lions Clubs International

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Pittsburgh DeafBlind Lion Club’s 1st Zoom Meeting:

Pictured top, left to right: Interpreter Jessica Mock, Lion Barb, King Lion Rich McGann with interpreter, Daniel. Bottom, left to right: Lion Antonella and her mom, Anita, PDG Dennis and Pug, Bindi, present but not shown Lion Ben and Lion Joy. GLT Lion Kamal

Tuesday, September 8th was a very unusual meeting for the Pittsburgh DeafBlind Lions Club. Just like most clubs we had to meet virtually. This may seem ordinary for all other clubs, but the DeafBlind Club is unique because several members are deaf, deafblind, hearing impaired and have low vision. With the help of our regular interpreter, Jessica and a student interpreter, Daniel from CCAC, we were able to have a successful Zoom meeting. We also want to recognize GLT, Lion Kamal Gella for letting us use his Zoom account so we could have this meeting.

There were a few hiccups, but Lion Kamal was able to fix them. 1 of the highlights of our meeting was having Lion Antonella and her mother, Anita, join us. Before the end of 2019-2020, Lion Antonella accepted a position at Harvard University and moved to Boston. She made the decision to resign from our club. At the meeting on Tuesday she asked if she could be reinstated as a member of the club again. We welcome her with open arms. She was a great member in the past even though the miles separate us, she can still be an asset to the club.

The meeting adjourned with a new Zoom meeting to be scheduled for October 13th. Submitted by Lion Barb Rebovich Secretary PDBLC

VDG Mary Ann’s Lapel Pin Challenge Continues with the following Lions proudly wearing their pins while out in public, promoting Lionism to its fullest! Submit your pictures to VDG Mary Ann and we’ll highlight your Lions Pride!

PDG Harold with DG Chris at a luncheon in Penn Hills

DG Chris met with Lion VDG MaryAnn with DG Chris George Belles to give him his DG Chris and wife, Lion Mary Treasurer’s lapel pin

SPOTLIGHTING LION RICHARD McGANN The following letter compiled by Lion Rich McGann, Charter President (October 24, 1994) and current President of the Pittsburgh DeafBlind Lions Club, was sent to me by mistake. Lion Rich doesn’t know how my name was added to the letter, but I’m glad that I was a recipient. I was first introduced to Lion Rich and his now deceased wife Karen when the first Deaf and Blind Lions Club that met in Swissvale. PDG Tony DeJulius was the founding Lion for the club back then. I was amazed with Lion Rich’s communication skills 30 some years ago and I’m still amazed! Amazed. . This letter was produced using a braille machine with his desktop computer and mini braille machine he carries around with his iPhone. I cannot imagine how anyone can be educated who is not only deaf, but also blind. It’s beyond me how anyone can be taught to form the letters and then put them together without hearing what each letter sounds like. Very impressive. And that is why I have Lion Rich’s permission to include his letter to show his ability to communicate. Lion Rich, you are an inspiration to all! His letter on the following page is reprinted just as I received it, in order to show his skill in typing and communicating…

14 to all, i am sharing with you all. i want to let you know that i got an email from joyce gallagher, sweet daughter of theona chiioccioli who was deafblind herself fromjohnstown. i want to tell you my fondest memory of theona as i really enjoy friendship with her. she was very perky and excited person. she never ran out of energy. she loved to have lot of party times, loved to go out as she never sat still. she loved to keep herself going out to make her life enlighened. each time theona came with our group going to american assocaiton of deafblind convention/conference. she was fun-loving. perosn. my l;ate wife, karen and i were wondering to find when theona asked us to help finding ssp for her. i asked one of my dear college dstudents nancy hall. nancy was all excited to become theona's ssp. we had great time at aadb convention. somehow, nancy came to karen and me saying she couldn't find theona. oopss! i forgot to warn nancy. my fault. i todl nancy to relax as theona woudl come bakc just fine.during dinner time, theona popped upwith bg smiles. i did approach theona and said, did you have fun? she said yes. siad good. and clapped. she laughe.di said to theona, your ssp is worried about you. you are naught girl. theona smled and said she had fun. after thenoa moved to columus colony, the next aadb conference, showed up in baltimore in 2006, theona was so exicted to see me. i hugged her. theona introduced me to her staff fr columus colony. i told them that it was so pleased to meet them. two asked me to seee me. that is wh ytheona looked for you and theona wants you to tell us as joyce told us about you. i giggled.i said of course, you better be careful as theona could be in disappearing act soon. the staffers said oh no. i giggled. they wer having tight look on her. i had evil grein. now, let's make speical prayers. iu want to thank thona for giving me her speical inspiring time as she is ready to sneak outfrom columbus colonyand is ready to start new joyrney. theona, yo are so blessed and we love you so much. we think of you so much. iu bet you wil be excited to see karen. i know karen would be thrilled to see you. and when it is time for me, i know karen woudl join you to sneak out for me. hahahaha.god bless you, theona.

As a result of the Mon River Fleet Lions’ year-end distributions, President Jim Phillips and Club Secretary Laura Bosnak Thompson recently presented $600 in Giant Eagle and Wal-Mart Gift Cards to each of the site directors of the McKeesport, Duquesne, and Clairton Family Centers. Shown with the President and Secretary are Jan Gooden from the Duquesne site and Jawanna Warren from the Clairton site. Each site will be able to purchase food and school supplies for families enrolled in their programs.

September 18 MRF Lions General Meeting The Mon River Fleet Lions held its general membership meeting at Pavilion No. 2 in Renzie Park. What a meeting it was when project leader Lion Donna Maguire brought over 200 Snuggle Babies that were donated to Jamie’s Dream Team. Jamie’s Dream Team is a non-profit, dedicated public charity whose mission is to lift the spirits of those suffering from serious illness, injury, disability, or trauma. The Snuggle Babies project is part of the Mon River Fleet Lions’ Club program to comfort pediatric cancer patients. The Lions are proposing another Snuggle Babies project in cooperation with Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh close to Christmas

Shown center-stage is Project Coordinator Lion Donna Maguire with Jamie Ward from Jamie’s Dream Team as President Jim Phillips overlooks all the Snuggle Babies made from the Lions’ love and hearts. From left to right, Lions Secretary Laura Bosnak Thompson, Tail-twister Marci Morales, board member Kathy Yurik, Lion Tamer Tim Roolf, board members Janet Kulis and Helen Stratigos, Rev. Arlene Walker, and Patrick Fisher are pictured above as they present the Snuggle Babies to Jamie.

Submitted by: Michele Matuch Communications Chair

Photo by 1st Vice President Yvonne Parhetta

Pleasant Hills Lions Club Meets for the First Time Since March

On September 14, 2020, the Pleasant Hills Lions Club met in person for the first time since early March. The meeting took place at a shelter at Mowery Park in Pleasant Hills. In normal times we hold a steak fry at this location to kick off the new Lions year. However, to be safe in light of the Covid19 situation, we opted for pizza.

The highlight of the evening was a visit from PID Cindy Gregg and her husband PDG Tom. PID Cindy had a very good reason for the visit. She was representing Lions International President Jung – Yul Choi, in presenting Lion Michael Zaken with the International President’s Leadership Award. This is the third highest award in Lionism. Lion Mike has been a Lion since 2009. He has shown leadership at the club, serving as president three times, and leadership at the District level as chairman for Blind and Vision Services since 2011. Lion Mike is a true Knight of the Blind as he has held and still holds many leadership positions in several blind and visually impaired organizations locally and throughout the state. He does all this without letting the fact that he is blind himself get in his way.

PID Cindy also presented the Pennsylvania Counsellors Distinguished Counsellors Award to Lion Janet Hayes. Lion Janet has been a Lion since 2006 . She has been an extremely active member having held several leadership positions including club president twice. She also takes a very active role in all service and fund-raising activities including being the perennial co-chair of the Spaghetti Dinner. At the district level she has served as Diabetes Awareness Chairman and District Chaplain.

To help round out the evening PDG Geoff Temple presented IPDG Marni Latterman with a Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation Fellowship. IPDG Marni in just five years of being a Lion has been club president twice, zone chair, first VDG, and District Governor. In her role as IPDG she now serves as chairperson of the Long Range Planning Committee. IPDG Marni is also focused on providing service to the community by introducing various service activities to the club.

All in all, it was great to see these outstanding members be recognized for all their dedicated service. It was also nice to get to see my fellow club members in person for the first time in six months.

Respectfully submitted, Lion Geoff Temple, PDG Secretary – Pleasant Hills Lions Club

On October 15, White Cane Safety Day is observed around the world.

In the United States, it is a national observance, which was first celebrated in 1964, after the proclamation by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

White Cane Safety Day celebrates the achievements of blind or visually impaired people. A white cane is an important mobility tool for such people as well as the symbol of their independence. Canes have been used by blind people for centuries, but the white cane was introduced in the early 20th century. Canes were painted white to be more easily visible.

In the United States, white canes were introduced and promoted by Lion Clubs International. There are different types of the white cane such as long cane (also known as Hoover cane), guide cane, identification cane (symbol cane), support cane, and kiddie cane. Not all of them are used as a mobility device. For instance, the ID cane alerts others as to its bearer’s visual impairment but is of no help as a mobility tool. The white cane is one of the symbols of a blind person’s independence at it ensures their ability to come and go on their own. In 2011, President Barak Obama also referred to White Cane Safety Day as Blind Americans Equality Day.

On White Cane Awareness Day, and throughout Meet the Blind Month, members of the National Federation of the Blind conduct activities in their local communities such as white cane walks, film screenings, and social events. To get involved and show support contact them directly for more information.

Editor’s Note: There is no easier way of raising much needed funds than to co conduct a White Cane Day. Stickers are available from Lions International

If and when your Lions Club does have a White Cane Day (or Days!) please make sure you contact our District White Cane Day Chairman, Lion J.R. Wilson so he can tally up the total funds that were collected. He may be contacted at 412.303.4268 and leave a message on his voice mail.

Fall – the most beautiful time of the year!

Introducing your District LCIF Chairperson…

I’m Annette James from McKeesport Lions Club, your 2020/2021 LCIF District Coordinator for District 14B. I am honored that District Governor Chris Raynak asked me to be the LCIF District Coordinator during his tenure. LCIF was founded in 1968 with the mission of supporting the efforts of Lions Clubs not only locally, but globally. The foundation has five Global Causes that I’m sure all of you are aware of by now: Diabetes, Vision, Hunger, Environment and Childhood Cancer. It’s important to support not only these causes, but also the Focus Areas of Youth, Disaster Relief and Humanity. All of these make up the reason that LCIF exists, to help others. After all, isn’t that what being a Lion is all about? Let’s just explore these causes a bit:

1. Diabetes – More than 422 million people live with diabetes, and it’s the 8th leading cause of death in the world. We have a terrific resource to help us right in our area, the Lions Diabetes Center located at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. The folks there can help you with any questions, or even help you set up a diabetes- friendly diet.

2. Vision – Whether collecting used eyeglasses for recycling or donating to such causes as Leader Dog or Sight First, you can make a big impact on others’ lives. Your club can sponsor a Leader Dog puppy for only $500 or give to Sight First to help them deliver eye care services to underserved populations.

3. Hunger – One in 9 people in the world don’t have enough to eat on a daily basis. The LCIF Hunger Grant Program supports food banks, school-based feeding programs, and community soup kitchens.

4. Environment – 80% of the world’s population will live in a water-stressed area within five years. LCIF grants can help people in underdeveloped countries by drilling wells. We can help make a difference in our neighborhoods by just picking up litter.

5. Childhood Cancer – Lions have helped those in low and middle-income countries by funding the development of infrastructure at Global HOPE centers, which helps improve care for children with cancer.

6. Youth – We can help improve access to quality education, vital health services and positive youth development by giving to LCIF.

7. Disaster Relief – Grants available include Emergency Relief, Community Recovery and Disaster Preparedness. In times like these, our support is more important than ever.

8. Humanity – Grants available include Matching Grants and Grants to help end Measles. In developing countries, measles is a major cause of childhood deaths.

Giving to LCIF is easy! Donations can be made online at www.lcif.org/donate with a credit card or through PayPal, mailed to LCIF headquarters, or through the easiest way yet, when online shopping! If you shop online at Amazon, please consider signing up with Amazon Smile. Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to LCIF. All you have to do is remember to sign-in through Amazon Smile! When voting on where to donate this year, keep LCIF at the top of your list, and remember all the good it does not only in our little part of the world, but world-wide.

Lion Annette James District LCIF Chair [email protected]

If you use Amazon and are not signing in using Amazon Smile, designating Leader Dogs for the Blind as your charity, please consider making the switch. As you can see from the above email to PDG Kirby Marchand just how well the program is working.

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others remains and is immortal.” - Albert Pike.

Ballot Question 1

Ballot Question 2